Shockwave therapy versus eccentric exercises for tennis elbow
Official title: Comparative Effects of Shockwave Therapy and Eccentric Exercises on Pain, Functional Ability, Quality of Life, Grip Strength and Range of Motion in Patients With Lateral Epicondylitis
Run by Ibadat International University, Islamabad · NCT07523893 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This trial tests whether shockwave therapy or a five-week eccentric exercise program works better to reduce pain and improve function in adults aged 20–50 with tennis elbow.
Quick facts
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 20 Years to 50 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 50 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | Ibadat International University, Islamabad Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Islamabad) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | February 2, 2026 |
| Main results expected | June 16, 2026 |
| Study ends | June 30, 2026 |
| Registry record updated | April 13, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT07523893 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Ideal candidates are adults aged 20–50 diagnosed with lateral epicondylitis who can attend frequent sessions and can give informed consent.
✕Probably not a fit
People with recent elbow trauma, cervical radiculopathy or other conditions that refer elbow pain, bleeding disorders or pacemakers, recent steroid injections (within 6 weeks), pregnancy, or local infection are excluded and likely would not benefit from this protocol.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
Adults diagnosed with lateral epicondylitis are randomly assigned by computer-generated numbers to one of two treatment groups and treated at a single center in Islamabad. Group A receives shockwave therapy for 5 minutes per session at 7.0 mJ and 6 Hz, and Group B performs eccentric wrist/forearm exercises of 10 repetitions × 3 sets with 1 minute rest per session. Interventions are delivered three times per week for five weeks (15 sessions total). Outcomes including pain, functional ability, quality of life, grip strength, and range of motion are measured at baseline and after the five-week program.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If effective, this could offer a clear, time-limited non-surgical option to reduce pain and improve arm function for people with tennis elbow.
How similar studies have gone: Previous clinical work has reported benefits from both shockwave therapy and eccentric exercise programs for lateral epicondylitis, but comparative head-to-head evidence is limited and results have been mixed.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Patients diagnosed with Lateral epicondylitis * Patients with 20-50 years * Both males and females * Willing to participate and provide informed consent Exclusion Criteria: * Patients with recent trauma (fractures, injury etc.) * Patients with blood clotting disorder (including thrombosis), oral anti-coagulants, and pacemaker, tumors at site of treatment, infected area or skin rupture or abrasion at the site of treatment, pregnancy. * Cervical Radiculopathy or any diseases that mimic or refer pain to elbow. * Patients who received steroid injection within 6 weeks.
Where it's running
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Faculty of Allied Health & Biological Sciences
Islamabad, Pakistan Recruiting
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Muhammad Nazim Farooq, PhD-PT — Ibadat International University
- Study coordinator: Yousra Bahadar, MS-PT(MSK)*
- Email: yousrabahadar111@gmail.com
- Phone: 00923130522747
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How to take part
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
- Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.